Women's Basketball Holds Off UMass Lowell For 4th Straight Win

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WORCESTER, Mass. - The Holy Cross women’s basketball team held off a late push from the University of Massachusetts-Lowell to win its fourth straight contest, 63-54, on Sunday, December 2 at the Hart Center.

Junior Lauren Manis had her sixth double-double of the year with 18 points and 17 rebounds. Junior Megan Swords had an impressive effort with 14 points and six boards, while junior Kathryn Pedi was also in double digits with 11 points. Holy Cross shot nearly 50 percent from the field, with 38 points in the paint.

This is the first time since the 2014-15 season that Holy Cross has won four consecutive games. The Crusaders now own a 5-2 record on the year; the River Hawks fall to 3-5 overall.

Despite the River Hawks getting out to an early 8-4 lead, Holy Cross dominated the remainder of the first quarter, scoring 14 unanswered points to lead by an 18-8 margin at the end of the frame. Though UMass Lowell cut within six points by the 4:03 mark of the second quarter, Swords had a layup, while junior Madalyn Smith had a 3-pointer and a pair of free throws to push Holy Cross’s lead to 13 by the half, 34-21.

Holy Cross built its lead to 17 after Pedi drained a three with 5:53 to go in the third. UMass Lowell sustained pressure, though, scoring 13 of the final 17 points of the quarter to be within eight heading into the fourth.

Manis had a layup to begin the final quarter, but the River Hawks continued to push, rattling off five unanswered points to cut within five with 6:56 to go. Pedi had a quick layup to stop the run and put Holy Cross up 54-47, but UMass Lowell’s Ren’Cia Rolling had a three out of a timeout to cut the Crusaders’ lead to four.

From there, Manis took over on the boards, scoring on back-to-back putbacks to push the Crusaders back ahead by eight. Kharis Idom had another three with 3:27 to go, but UMass Lowell would not get any closer, as Manis had a layup and the Crusaders drained three free throws down the stretch to ensure the victory.

The Crusaders return home on Wednesday, December 5 for a contest against Hofstra University. Tipoff is set for 6:05 p.m., and the game will be broadcast on NESN beginning at 6 p.m.

Season and single-game tickets to see the Crusaders are on sale now. Make sure you don’t miss the opportunity to see the best collegiate basketball in Central Massachusetts! Tickets for Holy Cross basketball can be purchased online at GoHolyCross.com/tickets or over the phone by calling 1-844-GOCROSS.